Rock Hudson, 1985

Many of Rock Hudson's Hollywood friends said they knew he was gay long before People magazine reported in 1985 that he was dying of AIDS. Even so, the article marked the first public confirmation of his sexual orientation, something the tabloids had speculated about for years. Hudson's death is credited with humanizing people with AIDS and mobilizing support for a cure.

Many of Rock Hudson's Hollywood friends said they knew he was gay long before People magazine reported in 1985 that he was dying of AIDS. Even so, the article marked the first public confirmation of his sexual orientation, something the tabloids had speculated about for years. Hudson's death is credited with humanizing people with AIDS and mobilizing support for a cure. (Los Angeles Times)

Many of Rock Hudson's Hollywood friends said they knew he was gay long before People magazine reported in 1985 that he was dying of AIDS. Even so, the article marked the first public confirmation of his sexual orientation, something the tabloids had speculated about for years. Hudson's death is credited with humanizing people with AIDS and mobilizing support for a cure.Los Angeles Times